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We deeply regret the interaction between our professor & our student. We have apologized to Ashley, replaced the instructor, & are reimbursing her tuition for the course. To our friends in Australia, we know that you are a country & a continent, best of luck in the Olympic games!

The seemingly absurd conflict has proven to be an important lesson for Arnold.

“Here is the lesson I learned: as a student going back to school in my late twenties I have sometimes felt inadequate,” she wrote on Facebook. “I have felt ashamed and embarrassed that I’m still in school and do not have a ‘real’ career yet.

“However, this class made me realize that I am equal and I can do hard things. I learned I can advocate for myself successfully even in the face of opposition brought on by a stubborn professor with a Ph.D.,” she continued. “I hope this experience will give me courage to continue to advocate for myself and others.”